[MUD-Dev] Re: MAPPING: Creating a bitmaped graphic from map

[Jon A. Lambert]

On 24 Apr 98 at 0:13, Caliban Tiresias Darklock wrote:
> On 11:40 PM 4/23/98 +00-05, I personally witnessed Jon A. Lambert jumping
> up to say:
> >
> >It's an older format GIF-89 and appears to be free of restrictions.  
> 
> Just a quick clarifying note: ALL versions of the GIF format are LZW
> compressed, and therefore no version is 'free of restrictions'. 

Oops, you are correct.  Sorry. :\  I've found some more info on it.

"We recognize and are concerned --  thanks in large part to the 
recent and very active use of the on-line network -- that developers 
did not understand that the patented technology was resident in GIF.  
Taking that into account, Unisys does not intend to pursue previous
inadvertent infringement by versions of GIF-based software products
marketed prior to 1995. Concerning all future software product
development and enhancement of existing products for accessing on-line
services, Unisys expects developers of commercial, for-profit software
to secure a license from Unisys, or through the licensed on-line
service, for the use of the patented technology.  The very reasonable
terms should prove no financial barrier to the introduction of product
into the on-line network. Unisys does not require licensing, or fees
to be paid, for non-commercial, non-profit GIF-based applications,
including those for use on the on-line services.  Concerning 
developers of software for the Internet network, the same principle 
applies. Unisys will not pursue previous inadvertent infringement by 
developers producing versions of software products for the Internet 
prior to 1995. The company does not require licensing, or fees to be 
paid for non-commercial, non-profit offerings on the Internet, 
including Freeware."

snipped from link at: 
  <http://www-cmpo.mit.edu/met_links/resources/unisys_statement>  

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